Novel 7-phenylsulfanyl-1,2,3,4,10,10a-hexahydro-pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles as dual serotonin 5-HT2C and 5-HT6 receptor ligands

Novel 7-phenylsulfanyl-1,2,3,4,10,10a-hexahydro-pyrazino[1,2-a]indoles are synthesized using a six-step protocol. Notably, the synthesis route make use of a new and improved ring-closing methodology for the assembly of the hexahydro-pyrazino[1,2-a]indole scaffold, which is based on intramolecular CH insertion of a carbene. The compounds act as dual serotonin 5-HT2C- and 5-HT6-ligands. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.